PCSK9 Inhibition in Patients With Symptomatic Intracranial Atherosclerosis (PINNACLE)
Stroke, Intracranial Atherosclerosis, Intraplaque Hemorrhage

About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Stroke focused on measuring Stroke, alirocumab, Intracranial Atherosclerosis, Intraplaque Hemorrhage, atorvastatin, praluent
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Adult patients, ≥ 18 years of age
- Ischemic stroke (≤ 1 month from onset) in one major vascular territory on diffusion-weighted MRI
- ICAD plaque of a "major intracranial artery," causing >25% and <99% stenosis
- Eligible arteries: vertebral (V4), basilar, PCA (P1, P2), MCA (M1, M2), terminal ICA, and ACA (A1)
- Able to tolerate high-dose statin (atorvastatin 40-80 mg)
Exclusion Criteria:
- Stroke mechanism other than ICAD, including history of atrial fibrillation, hypercoagulability, ipsilateral arterial dissection or carotid stenosis >50%, and rare causes of stroke such as vasculitis or CADASIL
- Bihemispheric stroke or simultaneous stroke in the anterior and posterior circulation
- Positive pregnancy test
- Gadolinium or PCSK9 inhibitor allergy
- Acute or chronic kidney disease with eGFR<30 ml/min/1.73m2
- Pacemaker or other MRI contraindications per American College of Radiology guidelines33
- Inability to return for 1-year follow-up clinic visit and vwMRI
Sites / Locations
- University of Utah
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Placebo Comparator
Active Comparator
Placebo Comparator
Active Comparator
After review of eligibility criteria, 20 patients will be randomized to the placebo arm of the study where patient will administer one subcutaneous injection of placebo every two weeks for a total of 52 weeks. Additionally, per standard-of-care, patient will also be treated with atorvastatin 40-80 mg.
After review of eligibility criteria, 20 patients will be randomized to receive the investigational treatment of alirocumab 150mg which will be administered subcutaneously with a single-dose pre-filled pen syringe every 2 weeks for a total of 52 weeks. Additionally, per standard-of-care, patient will also be treated with atorvastatin 40-80 mg